Malmo vs Rangers LIVE: Europa League result and final score as Rangers secure crucial away win
Malmo 0-2 Rangers: Nedim Bajrami scored inside the first minute before Ross McCausland sealed an impressive win
Rangers opened their Europa League campaign with a 2-0 victory at Malmo to secure their first ever victory in Sweden.
Rangers had suffered bruising defeats to the Swedish champions in Champions League qualifying in 2011 and 2021, but they made a dream start when Nedim Bajrami fired Philppe Clement’s side in front after just 56 seconds.
The visitors could have been out of sight by half time, with Vaclav Cerny and Bajrami and Cyriel Dessers missing opportunities to put the game to bed. But Ross McCausland came off the bench to double Rangers’ lead in the 75th minute, firing a low volley into the corner.
It gives Rangers a dream start to their Europa League campaign, with fixtures against Lyon, Tottenham and Manchester United to come, and could kick their season into life after a difficult start under Clement.
Follow live updates from Malmo vs Rangers in our live blog below
NO GOAL! Malmo 0-1 Rangers
18 mins: Relief for Rangers. From a free-kick, Isaac Kiese Thelin volleys into the far corner with the outside of his foot.
But he looks offside, and is, clearly. Kiese Thelin started his run about three yards in front of the Rangers line.
Malmo 0-1 Rangers
15 mins: A good spell of possession for Rangers, who have really been able to settle down into this game after Bajrami’s early goal.
Malmo 0-1 Rangers
11 mins: Mohamed Diomande is booked after a foul on the Malmo left - it gives the Swedish side the chance to swing the ball in, but Connor Barron clears at the front post.
Malmo 0-1 Rangers
6 mins: Rangers look to keep the pressure on as Malmo turn the ball behind for a corner. From it, Souttar is hauled down at the back post amid a frantic scramble. Malmo then clear.
Malmo 0-1 Rangers
3 mins: The smoke was still clearing from the pitch after Malmo fans had set off fireworks before kick-off when Bajrami netted inside the opening minute.
Malmo look shaken by that quick Rangers start.
GOAL! Malmo 0-1 Rangers (Bajrami 1')
WHAT A START!
Rangers score in the opening minute! It’s a disaster from Malmo, with a pass-back playing in Cyriel Dessers. The striker rounds the goalkeeper but hits the post - it breaks to Nedim Bajrami, who marks his first European appearance with a simple finish!
Rangers have taken the lead against Malmö within a minute 🤯
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 26, 2024
The ideal start for Philippe Clement and his side 💪
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/7UGhuCbGny
KICK OFF! Malmo 0-0 Rangers
Away we go. Malmo are in their light blue kits, Rangers are in changed colours of dark blue with red flashes.
Malmo vs Rangers
Almost ready to go in Malmo. The Swedish champions are used to winning at home - and have favourable results against Rangers to take confidence from. The Scottish side are looking to overturn that, in what is a tough opening test in the new-look Europa League.
Rangers face a ‘fight with history’ in Malmo
Philippe Clement believes Rangers have a “fight with history” as they face Malmo tonight looking to overturn their poor record against the Swedish champions.
Rangers have lost to Malmo twice in Champions League qualifiers since 2011 and Clements said: “I saw the stats the last couple of years against Malmo, which is not really good, so we have a fight with history.
“The team is very motivated to show a good face and grow again, like they have been growing the last couple of weeks.
“But I don’t believe in that also - it’s something new now. It’s not the same players, manager, or opponents.”
Malmo vs Rangers
Connor Barron says he is “buzzing” for his first taste of Europa League football after establishing himself in the Rangers midfielder since arriving from Aberdeen in the summer.
Barron, 22, received his first Scotland call-up earlier this month and starts Rangers’ opener in Malmo tonight.
"I've loved it since I've come in. I think I've said that many times.
"The gaffer has been brilliant with me, the staff have been brilliant to me and the boys have all been brilliant to me. I've been comfortable playing in that position.
"I'll keep learning but I've enjoyed it so far. There's a lot more to come from me. I'm still learning as well.
"I'm taking everything in that I'm getting told and watching games back and making sure that I'm making myself better at the same time as well as the team. That's all I can do and I've loved it so far.”
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